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8 Health Benefits of Black Coffee — Ways Coffee Is Good for You


It’s a given that the aroma and flavor of a brewed beverage are major reasons we love java so much. However, drinkers often shy away from the plain black version and prefer to add extras like creamer or sugar. All java offers some health benefits, but black coffee benefits are particularly significant.

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, but many don’t drink it black. It may be time to reconsider because research indicates there are many health benefits of drinking black coffee. Granted, some are as a result of the caffeine content, but others are down to antioxidants and nutrients in your cup of joe.

So what does black coffee have to offer? Let’s delve into it.

Distinguishing Between Black Coffee and the Rest


While some people may wonder why on earth anyone would drink their coffee black, it’s estimated that over one-third of java drinkers prefer it that way. People who enjoy black coffee appreciate the flavor clarity. It’s also less expensive without add-ons like flavored syrups or milk. Plus, it has fewer calories than the doctored version.

Those reasons also explain how it’s different from other coffees. Black coffee means just that — coffee, with nothing added to it. Not even sugar, in the strictest sense.

So how do you make black coffee? With the exception of espresso, you can use virtually any brewing method for making some delicious black coffee. The only reason espresso isn’t an option is because it differs dramatically. Here are the most common ways to brew your cup of java.

Benefits of Having Black Coffee


Black Coffee Benefits

Is black coffee good for you? Research is pretty clear — black coffee is not just a welcoming beverage to kick-start your day, it’s good for you, too! Let’s look at some of the black coffee health benefits:

1. Contains Caffeine

We’re all familiar with the energy-boosting effects you gain from drinking coffee — this is thanks to caffeine. It’s a natural stimulant, so it increases blood flow throughout your body and essentially speeds up brain and nervous system processes. This results in increased alertness and improved reaction times. Very helpful if you’re trying to shake off some sleepiness!

2. Coffee has Nutritional Value

According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), a single cup of regular, brewed coffee contains:

  • Potassium
  • Calcium
  • Magnesium
  • Thiamin (B1)
  • Riboflavin (B2)
  • Niacin (B3)
  • Pantothenic acid (B5)
  • Vitamin B6
  • Folate
  • Choline

Since most people drink more than one cup of coffee daily, it turns into a valuable source of those nutrients.

3. Antioxidants are Plentiful

Coffee contains its fair share of antioxidants, which help your body fight free radicals and keep its cells strong. Experts reveal that, surprisingly, people consume more antioxidants from coffee than they do from fruits and vegetables. Because of the role of black coffee antioxidants, drinking coffee has been linked to longer life expectancy.

4. Improved Brain Function

Another aspect that makes black coffee good for you. Thanks to the previously mentioned antioxidants, drinking black coffee is associated with a reduced risk of conditions such as dementia. The caffeine in coffee also provides a boost to short and long-term memory.

5. Reduced Risk of Cancers

Again, this is connected to antioxidants found in coffee. Research is still ongoing, but there seems to be a correlation between drinking coffee and a reduced risk of many cancers. The most significant improvements reported so far are for liver cancer, but other forms are also being studied.

6. Reduces the Chance of Diabetes

One of the most common chronic health issues globally — type 2 diabetes can be prevented through lifestyle changes. Numerous studies, including this one, have connected coffee drinking with lowering the possibility of developing the condition.

7. May Help You Lose Weight

Since caffeine is a stimulant, it can increase your metabolism, which in turn can have a positive influence on weight loss. If your metabolism is fast, your body will burn calories rapidly. And, unlike a Breve coffee, black coffee isn’t calorie-laden, with one cup having fewer than five calories. That makes it a great choice if you’re trying to drop a few pounds.

8. Enhances Physical Performance

The caffeine in black coffee can elevate your endurance levels and athletic performance. No, it won’t transform you into a superhero, but it will improve your perception of fatigue, help you focus, and boost strength. It’s also been suggested that coffee may help speed up the recovery process after working out.

Black Coffee Health Benefits

How Much Is Too Much?


As with all good things, you can have too much coffee. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), you can safely consume up to 400 mg of caffeine daily. Depending on how large your coffee mug is, that’s about four cups of coffee.

However, if you drink more than that, you may experience some of the black coffee side effects from caffeine. 

  • Anxiety
  • Jittery feeling
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Headaches
  • Digestive issues

In extreme cases, too much caffeine may cause:

  • Irregular heartbeat
  • High blood pressure

So, enjoy your black coffee, but don’t go overboard.

Recapping


Some people shy away from black coffee, but this beverage isn’t nearly as scary as it’s portrayed. In fact, many people will swear that it offers the best, clearest flavors, rather than changing the taste through extras like milk.

Is black coffee healthy? Black coffee offers a number of health benefits, and since it has only a few calories per cup, you don’t have to worry about blowing your diet. From the boost in energy from caffeine to reducing your risk for liver cancer or neurological conditions, there are many benefits of black coffee in the morning.

You can brew black coffee almost any way you want, with delicious results. When done right, this straight version can taste as delicious as other java beverages. Plus, the black coffee benefits are one more reason to give this brew a try.

Is Black Coffee Good for You

Health Benefits of Black Coffee FAQs


Is Black Coffee Good for Health?

Yes, black coffee can be good for your health. In addition to the caffeine boost that so many love, it’s packed with antioxidants that keep your body in check. Consuming these can reduce your risk of certain cancers and other conditions.

How Much Black Coffee a Day is Healthy?

The daily intake limit is no more than 400 mg of caffeine. An 8-ounce cup of coffee has about 95 mg of caffeine, so that equates to approximately four cups. If you go beyond this, you may notice unpleasant black coffee effects.

What’s the Healthiest Way to Drink Coffee?

Drink it black. Black coffee only has a few calories per cup, compared to other coffee-based drinks like latte or cappuccino.

Can I Drink Black Coffee Daily?

Yes, one of the advantages of black coffee is that you can drink it every day. Guidelines suggest limiting your intake to 400 mg of caffeine daily, which equals roughly four cups.

Can Black Coffee Help Me Lose Weight?

You may get a little assistance from black coffee for weight loss. It doesn’t contain large amounts of calories like when it’s mixed with milk, creamer, or sugar. Caffeine can also improve the rate of your metabolism.

What Is a Black Coffee?

Black coffee means plain, brewed java with nothing else added to it. No milk or creamer, no flavored syrups, no sugar.

Does Black Coffee Wake You Up?

Yes, providing it’s not decaffeinated. Caffeine has been shown to increase alertness and make you feel more awake, since it’s a stimulant. This is one reason many people drink this beverage in the mornings.